Warning, Freehouse Fitness Studio May Cause Muscle-Quakes.
The 411
Freehouse offers innovative full-body classes, which are frequently filled a week in advance. They have a variety of popular reformer classes, rebounding (trampoline), ‘pilates inspired mat class’, vinyasa flow and their own creation the BandIt. This studio is for the person who wants to achieve a toned look. Heavyweights and striated muscles need not apply.
Class: BandIt
Warning: this class may cause muscle-quakes.
BandIt is the brainchild of owner, Dana Auriemma (@freehousefitness). She had the brilliant idea to use the fairly common 15-20 lb Slastix resistance bands, but anchor them to the walls at both hip and foot level (see pics below). They have handles for upper body burnin' and ankle strap attachments for down low. In addition to the bands, each station also has a mirror, mini-bar (as in Barre, not happy hour), and a mat, where the seismic muscle movements happen.
You will find yourself doing traditional moves like squats, bicep curls, planks, leg lifts etc. but with a twist (literally). Not only are the resistance bands attached to your ankles during a traditional plié squat, but you also hold 3-4 lb weights and work your triceps. Or while in a thigh-shaking lunge (again bands attached), you also do bicep curls. Most of the exercises are compound movements so more tone, less time. The class is all done in sync with bouncy pop music, but unlike spinning, the playlist isn't the main feature. Some cardio is interspersed throughout the class, but the main focus is on long and lean.
BandIt is an all-levels class because you can control the difficulty based on where you position yourself on the mat. Stepping away from the wall towards the outer edge of your mat tightens the bands, which adds resistance. Moving closer to the wall loosens the bands and lightens the load.
Even though it sounds like it could be confusing, there isn't any highly specialized choreography. You can expect a challenging workout from the get-go.
Instructor
Dana Auriemma, Freehouse owner, in true midwestern style (Minnesota native), is down to earth and approachable. In class, she precisely demonstrates and explains each move. Dana is energetic and encouraging yet still professional and organized. She also walks around and makes adjustments and suggestions as needed. Under her watch, the class both started and finished on time.
Vibe
Freehouse has a chill welcoming vibe. I rushed into the studio but ended up being 30 minutes early because I got the time wrong, so they graciously directed me to a cute cafe a few doors down.
Space
The Freehouse studio feels very Scandinavian, with its bleached wood floors, white walls, and overall minimalist style. There are two studios, one with reformers and the other for BandIt and Rebound (trampoline). The trampolines are neatly stacked out of the way during the BandIt class.
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Their pricing is as refreshing as their clean studio. They have a good deal for new clients, which is any 3 classes for $40.00 or 2 weeks unlimited for $90.00.
Reformer class ranges from $23-$26, depending on the package. Rebound and BandIt classes range from $15-$18.
